'Homeland' season 6 spoilers, plot news: Series adds alt-right character; co-creator discusses Muslim representation

While the upcoming season of "Homeland" is no longer an exact mirror of the current political landscape in the United States, given that it will feature a female president-elect, season 6 will still be very relevant as it will focus on the aftermath of the presidential election. Recently, the Showtime drama added a new cast member that will further strengthen its ties to current events.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Homeland" has enlisted Jake Weber to portray an alt-right media personality. His character, Brett O'Keefe, is described as "an aggressive and charming anarchist." It is said that O'Keefe could bring up comparisons to Steve Bannon, Donald Trump's new chief strategist.

Alt-right stands for "alternative right," an umbrella term that describes a group of people in the United States who have far right ideologies and reject mainstream conservatism.

With season 6 of the drama focusing on the specific period between Election Day and Inauguration Day, it is expected that more political figures will be featured. Elizabeth Marvel portrays Elizabeth Keane, the newly elected U.S. president.

"There is a strange period in America where there are 72 days when it's not exactly clear who's in charge, and there is a new president that needs to be educated on what it means to be president. That is a very complex transfer of power filled with all kinds of anxiety and different competing interests," showrunner Alex Gansa previously told Entertainment Weekly.

While Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) is expected to be working closely with Keane, she will also be busy working for a foundation that provides aid to Muslims who are living in the United States.

During a roundtable discussion hosted by The New York Times, "Homeland" co-creator and executive producer Howard Gordon said that the fair portrayal of Muslim characters on the show is "an ongoing and very important conversation." He revealed that he is concerned about the series becoming fodder for increased attacks. Gordon expounded that it is indeed a tricky and difficult subject to tackle.

"We're all affected, unwittingly, by who we are and how we see the world. It requires creating an environment where people can speak freely about these things. It requires vigilant empathy," he said.

Season 6 of "Homeland" will premiere on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at 9 p.m. EST on Showtime.